3M Changes Industrial Leadership

3M has named Hak Cheol (H.C.) Shin executive vice president of International Operations and Christopher D. Holmes executive vice president of the Industrial and Transportation Business, effective immediately.

Both will report to Inge G. Thulin, who was recently named 3M’s chief operating officer.

Inge G. Thulin has been named 3M’s chief operating officer.

Shin, 53, was previously executive vice president of 3M’s largest business, Industrial and Transportation. Holmes, 52, was previously vice president and general manager of 3M’s Abrasive Systems Division.

“As engineers, H.C. and Chris understand very well the technical underpinnings of 3M’s innovation and efficiency,” said Thulin. “More importantly, they understand how our innovation creates success for our customers.”

Successes Cited

Thulin noted Shin’s success in growing the Industrial and Transportation business over the past six years, his strong operational effectiveness, and his deep knowledge of 3M’s international business.

Hak Cheol (H.C.) Shin is executive vice president of International Operations.

He also cited Holmes’ focus on driving new product growth and profitability as key to the revitalization of 3M’s industrial abrasives business, and to Holmes’ vast experience in the industrial market.

Christopher D. Holmes is executive vice president of the Industrial and Transportation Business.

Shin holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University and has been with 3M since 1984. Holmes joined 3M in 1986 and holds a degree in manufacturing systems engineering from Sheffield Polytechnic in the United Kingdom.

With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries.